The first hike of the fall was situated in Bandol, a coastal town east of Marseille, reachable by car from Aix in about a 1 hour. Everyone had lots of catching up to do as many of us had not seen each other since June. Our fabulous leader, Isabelle, welcomed everyone back and gave us some instructions prior to the hike...
It was a gorgeous, warm day and many took advantage of the warm weather and went swimming during our lunchtime break. Sorry no bathing suit photos!
Our second hike, also along the Mediterranean coastline, was in Niolon , a tiny fishing village west of Marseille. The weather was a mix of sun and dark, near rain clouds that day. Not only did we have amazing views but the clouds made for some dramatic sights...
We climbed up and down the rocky coastline, and in and out of rock tunnels...
and along some steep, cliff side spots...
In early October, we moved inland and drove up north to the well known town of St. Remy de Provence, where we hiked in the beautiful Les Alpilles mountain range. It was really hazy most of the day so we didn't take many photos of the surrounding countryside.
Later in October, we had one of our best hikes ever! Our destination was the village of Ansouis, located in the Luberon mountains about 1 hour north west of Aix. This hike also included our annual pot luck luncheon and meeting at one of our member's nearby winery. Nick’s cousins, Francis and Lydia Matthey, were visiting for a few days from their home in Surrey, England so we brought them along too. The day commenced with a lovely hike in and around the town of Ansouis...
Nick and cousin, Francis...
As we climbed higher, we had a belle view looking back at Ansouis...
We admired this 'little' chateau nestled into vineyards and hills...
After the hike, we went to the nearby St. Esteve de Neri winery, owned by fellow hikers, Alexandra and Alan Wilson, for our luncheon. We were at the same winery exactly one year ago to the day. How do I remember that? Well, it was on October 21, my birthday! Last year, Mom and Dave had been visiting from the States and we had come up that day for a wine tasting party the Wilson's had to celebrate and watch the Luberon Marathon, which ran through their vineyards, not once but twice! This year, they offered their gorgeous home and provided their wines for our lunch. The weather cooperated to allow us to be outside in their lovely garden.
They'd set up festively decorated tables...
The color of the grape leaves made for spectacular centerpieces...
Francis entertained us all with some classical and flaminco guitar music...
And Nick surprised me with a birthday cake...
All in all, it was a perfect day!
More hiking entries coming soon!!
